Spanish National Research Awards 2026

Two ICREA Research Professors received awards in the ‘Premios Nacionales de Investigación 2026’.

These awards, granted by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU), aim to recognise the merit of researchers with a distinguished scientific track record, as well as the outstanding contributions of those still in an early career stage.

Daniel Maspoch

Katherine Villa

Daniel Maspoch, an ICREA Research Professor at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), has received the Enrique Moles National Research Award in the area of Chemical Sciences and Technologies. The award recognises an exceptional scientific career with a significant international impact, which combines pioneering research with real societal impact.

ICREA Research Professor Katherine Villa, who leads the research group ‘Advanced Photocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Remediation’ at the Catalan Institute for Chemical Research (ICIQ) in Tarragona, has been awarded the María Teresa Toral National Research Award for Young Researchers, also in the field of Chemical Sciences and Technologies. The award recognises her pioneering research in photocatalysis and sustainable materials, which integrates chemistry, nanoscience and light-driven micromotors to address energy and environmental challenges.

From ICREA, we would like to congratulate Daniel and Katherine, as well as the other awardees in this edition of the 2026 National Research Awards, which recognise the scientific excellence and contribution to knowledge of twenty outstanding researchers.

More information about the 2026 National Research Awards.